In numerous ways, the 2021 Lexus IS 300 AWD feels like what might be compared to a period container. However revived and restyled, the current-age IS actually traces all the way back to 2014; you’d be pardoned for contemplating whether Lexus’ generally reasonable – and second-smash hit – vehicle has fallen excessively far behind.
That gets you a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 that brings 241 drive and 258 lb-ft of force to play, coordinated by means of an eight-speed programmed transmission through the back tires. My Grecian Water IS 300 AWD audit vehicle, in the mean time, has a 3.5-liter V6 with 260 pull and 236 lb-ft of force, and combines its all-wheel drive with a six-speed programmed.
Confusingly, there’s an IS 350 RWD which has a similar V6 – however tuned for 311 hp and 280 lb-ft – and an eight-speed programmed. An IS 500, in the mean time, tosses in a V8: it’s a great update that Lexus hasn’t exactly abandoned large dislodging, normally suctioned motors yet.
While the motors might be old, the undercarriage and suspension tuning is new. There’s greater support to make it stiffer, while the suspension has gone on a genuine eating regimen. Factor in pleasantly weighted guiding and it leaves the IS 300 AWD feeling out of the blue new and flexible. Flick to Comfort mode, in the interim, and however there are no stunt flexible dampers it’s actually refined and smooth. Lexus plainly focused on what truly required it, and that center has paid off.
Acclaim be, the standard 8-inch infotainment screen is currently finger-accommodating. There’s a touchpad in the mid control area, yet you can connect and tap the touchscreen rather to cooperate with Lexus’ Entune framework or, considerably more gratifyingly, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. They’re wired rather than remote, however I’ll take what wins I can get.